diffraction

/dɪˈfɹækʃən/

diffraction

English Noun

Definition

The bending of a wave around an obstacle.

Etymology

From New Latin diffrāctiō (in which coined by Francesco Maria Grimaldi), from Latin diffrāctus, past participle of Latin diffringo (“to shatter, to break into pieces”). Coined in Physico-mathesis de lumine (1665) by Francesco Maria Grimaldi.